The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Posted by Shilpa (Hydarabad, Andhra Pradesh) on 06/15/2011
hi , I found ur article very useful.
i am diagnosed as pcod and conceived my Gonal F NATURALLY, but it turned out to be unexplained ectopic pregnancy. No blockage. I lost my right Fallopian tube through laproscopy. I came across the Castor pack therapy. It has been two months after the lapro. Can I go for castor pack therapy? please help me I don't want to take chance for the next pregnancy.
regards, shilpa
Puppp
Posted by Christal (Austin, Tx) on 08/19/2011
I had PUPPS with my first pregnancy, my son is a about to be a year and a half, it was TERRIBLE, SO ITCHY!!!! So I went to the dr and they said I should take topical steroids and Ingestable steroids, I did the topical but WOULD NOT EVER IN MY LIFE take steroids, ESP while pregnant since I believe natural is best, the topical didn't do didly squat for the itchies so I searched and searched for natural anything, I started taking dandelion root capsules and that did wonders but it came back with a vengence! AH, I ended up letting them induce me at 38 weeks, I wish I could go back and stick it out, but my son is healthy and perfect, anyway, I am now 29 weeks pregnant with my second baby and started getting little red bumps just like before but THANKFULLY my midwife started me on a dandelion root tincture several months ago so I just upped my dosage and the little red bumps went bye bye. My advice to anyone experiencing this horrible ailment is to take the dandelion root tincture, email me I can get it to you.
christaleddleman(at)yahoo.com
May the Lord richly bless you
Puppp
Posted by Katie (Winnipeg, Mb, Canada) on 09/09/2012
To the couple in fort McMurray... How much turmeric (powder?) how much onion? What kind of onion? Thanks any info will help.
Pregnancy Rash: Dandelion Extract, Witch Hazel
Posted by Carla G (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/20/2010
★★★★★
Itchy Pregnancy Rash
Hi, I've wanted to help other women with this for 6 years but could not find a forum until now. While pregnant with my daughter I developed an unbearably itchy and unsightly rash on my stomach and face. Dermatologists, Obgyn and GP could not help. After hours of internet searching I found a forum on Pregnancy Rashes. Most of the over 500 entries said NOTHING helped but delivery of the baby and I was still 5 months away! I found about 5 woman who had used either topical Witch Hazel or Dandelion Root Extract. I checked every source I could find to make sure neither of these would be dangerous to the baby and then proceded to do both. I took twice the suggested dose on the Dandelion root (based on health food store recommendation) and applied Witch Hazel to the affected areas 3 times a day. By the time I returned to the dermatologist 2 weeks later for a biopsy appointment, the rash was gone! I was so thankful for those 5 women who posted. I hope this will be helpful to some other woman out there who is experienceing this awful side affect of what otherwise is a wonderful time in a woman's life.
Peace and Blessings
Fertility Remedies
Posted by Karen K (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 02/28/2010
Fantastic site - I am absolutely glued to it!! I was looking at how to become pregnant (to conceive) but I can't find the topic - do you have any advice you could share for a friend of mine? Thanks very much for the generous help that you have offered on this site. It is greatly appreciated.
Fertility Remedies
Posted by Celteyes (Pearland, Texas) on 02/28/2010
I had 2 friends use Maca..one took 2 capsules three times daily and the other said she wasn't very consistent but used it at least 2 capsules once daily and both were having trouble conceiving. They also said they noticed more energy and I know that is true because I began taking it because it is suppose to be a good support for the female system and it gave me a feeling of well being and a little more energy.
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Jane (Portland, Or) on 09/23/2009
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot for RH- blood type in Pregnancy/Miscarriage?
Hello. Does anyone here know of what I can take as a natural preventative instead of getting a Rhogam shot? I am blood type RH- and experiencing a miscarriage. I was told that RH- women who are pregnant or have a miscarriage should get this shot so that if the baby is RH and the baby's blood somehow mixes (rare) with the mother's blood, the mother's blood will build up antibodies to 'attack' the foreign blood.
I have since read online that Rhogam is classified as a vaccine, which I am against. In any case, I am committed to using natural methods of healing and prevention.
While I do have the option of simply going without the shot, this could endanger future pregnancies/babies. And I did read that there are natural ways of decreasing incompatibility. Vitamin C was mentioned (apparently referenced from a book by author Susan S. Weed, which I will try to locate) but I did not get the dosage or timing of it. I am supposed to get the shot within 72 hours of bleeding. Any insights are much appreciated.
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 09/24/2009
I too have RH- blood. I have had three Rhogam shots. I had my first one around 37 years ago. We weren't absolutely sure but thought I had a miscarriage and got the shot. I received the second shot after my first baby was born and the third shot after my second baby was born. I have had no side effects that I know of. I usually don't get flu shots or vaccines but this was to protect the baby. Both of my babies were born with positive blood, so there was not a problem but I believe if the baby is born with negative blood they may have to have a blood transfusion and that sounds a lot more dangerous than a shot. I'm not real sure how all that works anymore (it's been a long time) but I just wanted you to know that I got the shots and all is well. God bless you.
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/24/2009
You've got it the wrong way around. If the mother is Rh- and she has an Rh+ baby, she needs a rhogam shot.
When a mother is Rh- and she is carrying an Rh+ fetus, the mother's blood makes antibodies to the fetus's blood because the mother's immune system "sees" the fetus's Rh+ blood as a foreign invader and responds by making antibodies. The rhogam shot functions to "mop up" the antibodies that the mother made to the Rh+ baby she just delivered so that the NEXT fetus isn't harmed by the anti-Rh antibodies floating around in the mother's system from her PREVIOUS pregnancy.
If the mother is Rh- and the fetus is ALSO Rh-, the mother's body does not see the fetus as a foreign invader and so DOES NOT make antibodies to it, so no rhogam shot is needed after an Rh- mother delivers an Rh- baby. In the event of a miscarriage, a rhogam shot is administered just in case the miscarried fetus was Rh+ . If it was not Rh+ , no harm is done by giving the woman the rhogam shot.
p.s. As far as I know, there is NO "natural remedy" to replace a rhogam shot. The only "remedy" to the problem is for an Rh- woman to only have children with an Rh- man, or NOT have children with an Rh+ man. Rh- and Rh+ blood types are incompatable, even if they are of the same ABO group.
p.p.s. I am Rh- also.
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/24/2009
EC's programing seems to have dropped the positive sign that signifies a positive Rh status, e.g. "Rh+ ". This could lead to alot of confusion amoung readers.
EC: Thanks for noticing that! Will alert the programmers. Will you please re-submit your first rhogam shot post so I can see which + signs are missing? Thanks.
Deirdre
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/24/2009
Is there an easy way to re-submit my post, or do I have to type it all back in by hand (bleh)?
EC: Easy way: just copy and paste your first post to the feedback form and add the + signs where they are missing. Thanks!
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by T (Maryland, Usa) on 09/25/2009
An Rh-negative mother should have the RhoGAM shot during pregnancy, and also after birth if the baby is Rh-positive (for a miscarriage the shot would be taken regardless). This is the case for each pregnancy she has. RhoGAM doesn't have thimerosal in it, so no worries on that count. I would not endanger future children by refusing the shot. Vitamin C isn't going to make your blood somehow more compatible. This is one case where the allopathic way really is the wisest thing.
Sending you a hug, Jane...I am sorry for your loss.
Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/24/2009
I am not much of a computer person, but it doesn't seem to want to let me copy and paste, unless I am missing a beat somehow. Sorry :(
EC: Hi Kathy, I have tried to fix your post, but let me know if I missed something!
Deirdre
Lemon and Baking Soda Water
Posted by Rosatay (Fredericton, Canada) on 08/04/2009
Just wondering if there is a danger in drinking the baking soda Lemon water remedy while pregnant? I'm feeling sluggish and pretty positive that my body is acidic - judging from my current diet. Would you reccommend this remedy to pregnant women?
Lemon and Baking Soda Water
Posted by Monica (Portland, Or Usa) on 05/25/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Pregnant women should not be drinking baking soda water because of the high sodium content! Unfortunately, this remedy cannot be used during pregnancy
Lemon and Baking Soda Water
Posted by Lucena (Dubai, Uae) on 01/03/2013
is this true? would like to confirm.. Thanks
Folic Acid
Posted by Charlotte (London, United Kingdom) on 06/29/2009
Im 21 years of age and have suffered from BV for about a year now. I am 4 months pregnant and take prenatal and pregnancy vitamins which include folic acid, but i still continue to get BV. Is it ok to increase my dosage of folic acid while being pregnant? And if so how much would be advised to take? This horrible bacteria is killing my sex and personal life. I need help!
Schuessler Tissue Salts
Posted by Arora Darjelling (Karachi, Pakistan) on 02/06/2011
After reading from Ted. Mails. To control my epilepsy I am taking EPSOM Salt Magnesium sulphate, half a tea spoon early morning with orange juice, since last one year. Now I am in the seventh week of pregnancy. Please guide whether to stop taking epsom salt, due to risk of having adverse effect on new born. Mrs. AroraDarjellin, Karachi. Pakistan
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katie (Springfield, OH) on 03/01/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I am 7 months pregnant and have had severe sinus problems the entire time. Nothing OTC works for me including Benadryl or Tylenol Sinus. I've tried the Vick's Vaporizor and nothing. Afrin gives some relief but I think I've become immune to it. I've been using it for months and at increasing intervals throughout the day. So after reading all these positive comments about drinking the ACV with water, I thought I'd try it. I mixed about 2 tablespoons of ACV with 8 ounces of warm water and drank it. It tasted a little like lemon tea with no sweetener so I didn't find the taste to be terribly off-putting; however it's been about 2 hours and NO difference at all in my sinuses. I may try it again and see if it does anything with repeated use, but so far, I am not getting any effect at all from this remedy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 03/03/2009 490 posts
Hello Katie, Your remedy may be causing the problem. Afrin should not be used more than 3 days continuously because you get a rebound swelling that is worse than when you started it. Leave off that Afrin and use plenty of normal saline flushing to open up the nose & sinuses.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa) on 07/24/2012
I see this thread is from 2009, but if anyone else reads this and has the same problem here is trick I learned several years ago. Joyce is right, nasal sprays like Afrin can be addicting. It's hard to get off these sprays cold turkey. So, here's what you do, only use the nasal spray on one nostril and let the other one go. You can still breathe through one nostril while the other one is getting away from the spray. When you can breathe through the nostril that is no longer addicted stop the nasal spray all together. This worked for three people I know. It's much easier that going cold turkey.
Natural Antidepressants
Posted by Shelly (Antioch, California) on 12/13/2008
Hello, I am so happy to find this website. I am in need of help. I am pregnant in my 2nd Trimester and have felt considerable depression during my pregnancy. Symptoms include: Lethargic, unable to get out of bed, no desire to socialize or participate in family activities, loss of desire to complete daily tasks. I have two other children ages 7 and 2yrs old and my depression is becoming burdensome and a distracting me from caring for my other children. I am experiencing intense sadness and loss of interest in daily endeavors. These symptoms are very different than normal pregnancy hormone related symptoms as they are more intense and dark in nature. I have discussed with my doctor but I do not want to take prescription medications and would like to consider all natural antidepressants. I have heard that Sam-E is supposedly good, however I want to make sure that any natural antidepressants I may take will not have harmful side effects on the baby while I am pregnant.
Question:
Are there any SAFE all natural Antidepressant remedies available to take during pregnancy?
Thank you for your help.
Natural Antidepressants
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/13/2008 490 posts
To Shelley from Antioch, Ca:
Hi Shelley, sorry you are having all this depression with your pregnancy, but has your doctor checked your electrolytes/creatine levels to rule out a UTI or kidney infection? One thing you can check for yourself real fast, is your potassium level. If your problem is low potassium, drinking about 3 l2-ounce glasses of fresh or frozen orange juice in a short period of time should make you feel much better for a short period of time. If this proves true for you go to visit your doctor and ask him to check you for a kidney problem.
If it is just depression, St. John's Wort of Sam-e should be safer than the typically prescribed antidepressants. A sluggish thyroid can also make you feel a lot of what you are describing, and a good stress tab (B Complex + Vitamins C & E) can help activate a sluggish thyroid. The bottle will say l a day but until you feel a difference I don't think one at meal times (notice I said meal times, not when you eat, because everybody doesn't eat the usual 3 meals per day) will cause you any problems.
Natural Antidepressants
Posted by Angela (Lynchburg, Va) on 12/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I'm afraid that advice about ST. John's wort being a safe antidepressant is not correct. As a matter of fact, I know from numerous herbalists and a midwife, that it is dangerous. It's also online if you just look. I've also looked into Sam-e for pregnancy, and it's unproven. The only thing I know that is completely safe and natural is Omega 3 supplements. Also Doctors will tell you that Prozac is safe in Pregnancy, but I for one am sceptical as I had my first mid-trimester miscarriage soon after taking it myself. In the end, what I should have done is get out of a stressful situation, eat better so I could deal with the stress better, and have faith in God. . .not take something to mask it.
Natural Antidepressants
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/24/2009 490 posts
Hello Angela from Lynchburg, Va,
Magnesium has to lot to do with our nervous system and nerves. Since magnesium is a necesary mineral that our body requires the same as potassium, sodium, calcium, etc. it should be the safest of all remedies for nerves or depression during pregnancy.
For those of you who think you might be low on magnesium, to bring it up in a hurry without getting its laxative effect of it when taking it orally, the transdermal method works fine. Look up Deirdre's praise for it on EC. You will also find her place where she located it at a reasonable price and the sense of peace & contentment she got after using it.
If you don't understand how absorption through the skin works, Dr. Sircus at IMVA (International Medical
Veritas Association) has an excellent article on it, as well as excellent articles on sodium, madnesium and iodine. While you are there you might as well sign up for his free newsletters, which I find helpful.
Cell Salt
Posted by Angela (Lynchburg, Va) on 01/29/2010
I don't know about the cell salt remedy, but I do know that a much cheaper remedy worked for me. . .That was 1/4 t. of baking soda in a little water or juice or milk. Same idea as for regular heartburn. Too much acid in the system is what causes it. Also prevent it with an alkaline diet.
Cell Salt
Posted by Rachel (Flintstone, Ga) on 03/31/2013
Cell salts are a very affordable option as they usually come in 250 to 500 tablets per container. Baking soda taken right before or after a meal, where it decreases the stomach acid is going to interfere with proper digestion of your food. An acidic environment is needed to release the calcium from your food and begin breaking down the proteins. Most reflux during pregnancy is caused by the added pressure on the stomach from the baby. What comes up may not burn anymore, but you're also negatively affecting digestion. If you want to use baking soda for a more alkaline system make sure it's taken between meals so that it doesn't negatively affect your body's ability to digest its food.
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C
Posted by Anonym. (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/28/2009
you may both be right. it might just be a matter of timing and dosage. as it is, there are herbs that can be emmenagogues (induce a period when it's late) but can also be used to encourage conception; they are just different dosages, at different times of the woman's cycle (before OR after ovulation for instance, makes a difference).
it could be that once the baby is further developed, a dosage of 10 grams is generally safe, as you mention. maybe then you are out of that delicate developing zone.
high doses of vitamin c (preferably absorbic acid) has been and is used to induce a late period and/or miscarraige, in the early stages of pregnancy. please note that the emmenagogue vitamin c dosage is anywhere from 6-12 grams per day of absorbic acid, for no more than 14 days. hopefully this helps to clarify things. i am not an expert but have read quite a bit about natural fertility herbal uses.
just keep in mind that many supplement have dual effects and read up/get advice before you add any new supplement. valerian, for instance. it is a balancer: can stimulate when you are tired, or make you sleepy when you are anxious/wired. i have firsthand experience with this one.
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C
Posted by Bree (Chicago, Il) on 01/10/2011
The first lady is correct. Synthetic vitamin C is an abortifacient and I have used it as such several times when I was younger. Unlike herbs it works dependably in the right circumstances. It is useful if you use a natural planning method of birth control ("rhythm method") and become fertile unexpectedly within a few days of intercourse. It only works for sure in the first week after conception and you must take very high doses (a tablet every hour or two) in order to ensure success. You will know it worked of course because you will begin menstruation after a couple of days. It's been a decade since I have used it but I believe synthetic vitamin C is a progesterone blocker. For safety, anyone taking vitamin C should be very careful to only take natural vitamin C in lower doses.
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C
Posted by Meg (Jacksonville, Oregon) on 05/04/2012
The only type of vitamin C that is the best and safest is in the form of whole foods such as Camu Camu Berry powder -- the highest form of C you can find. It's not ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C
Posted by Jajajaja (Philadelphia, Pa) on 02/18/2015
Hmmm... Idk, I was taking 8 grams a day before I found out I was pregnant. Def didn't cause miscarriage. The one thing that is different this pregnancy is the baby is estimated to be smaller (estimated at 9 lbs at 40 weeks, while my last was over 10 and three weeks early). Good to know about it strengthening the cervix, perhaps this is why I am not dilating!!
Raspberry Yogurt
Posted by Kelly (Flint, Mi) on 12/10/2007
★★★★★
I was Pregnant and unable to eat anything.It was a miserable feeling.I tred Ale and crackers and other things sugested by family and freinds,nothing worked ..then i tried raspberry yogurt and was able to eat I was so happy and felt much better I hope this helps somebody.
Epsom Salt, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by BH (Boulder, CO) on 04/17/2009
I had sciatic problems during my pregnancy, too. Best cure I found: Stick your butt out; the bigger you are, the more you should exaggerate it, too. I found shoes with a bit of heel helped. Plus lots of prenatal yoga and prenatal Pilates, too. Good Luck and Congrats!
Epsom Salt, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Angela (Lynchburg, Va) on 12/23/2009
Great advice for what ails you, pregnant or not. It would relax the muscles some, but for long term relief of sciatic pain, massage with chiropractic care have been the only thing that have helped my longstanding pain. No other things will work, more than temporarily, as there are many causes of sciatic pain.
Epsom Salt, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Sarah (Baltimore, Md) on 06/19/2011
For sciatica pain, I have been taking vit b12 (also known as the NERVE vitamin! ) it works amazingly. Take 2000 mcg as soon as pain starts. Take again throughout the day if necessary. 400mcg of folic acid helps in the absorption of the vit b12.
Almonds
Posted by Karen (Birmingham, Michigan) on 09/12/2007
★★★★★
ALMONDS: I had been taking aciphex for my acid reflux for over a year. After trying to lose weight with no success, I discovered over the internet that some people have a weight problem with aciphex. I stopped using it and decided to try a natural remedy that I used when I was pregnant and it works! It's real simple: plain almonds. I eat about 5 with breakfast and then eat a few each time I eat and I haven't felt my reflux. This was a remedy that a nurse told me about many years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, 1981. I'm so glad I remembered it. Just to let you know, I am a drinker of chlorinated tap water; (read below) but somehow that remedy makes sense, too. Oh, and by the way, I began to lose weight after stopping the aciphex!
